REVIEW AND PREVIEW
U.S. stocks fell on Friday after President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump tested positive for coronavirus… The Trump tweet initially knocked down Dow futures more than 500 points in overnight trading… “This October surprise raises the already high level of political uncertainty markets are dealing with as election day approaches,” said Jeff Buchbinder, Equity Strategist for LPL Financial. “Markets appear to be increasingly pricing Joe Biden in as the favorite, and this news may not change that, but Trump could gain support from a quick recovery.” – Yun Li, Eutstance Huang, Pippa Stevens, “Stocks Fall After Trump Tests Positive for Coronavirus, Stimulus Hope Adds Some Support,” www.cnbc.com, October 2, 2020.
The U.S. economy added 661,000 jobs in September, suggesting the labor market’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic is beginning to plateau amid fading government relief money and a gradually growing virus caseload. It showed the unemployment rate unexpectedly fell to 7.9% from 8.4%. – Megan Henney, “Final Jobs Report Before Election Day,” www.foxbusiness.com/economy, October 2, 2020.
It was a rather disappointing jobs report. On top of that, the President and the First Lady were both diagnosed with COVID-19 late Thursday evening.
It was a full moon Thursday night. Full and new moons with the Sun in Libra often coincide with sharp price reversals in world stock indices. But in the larger view of the cosmos, Mars is retrograde in its ruling sign of Aries, forming a waxing square aspect to Saturn, Pluto, and Jupiter in Capricorn (the “Capricorn Stellium” or “Grand Conjunction” of 2020). This planetary pattern has been addressed in several of our recent columns as potentially one of the most challenging and disturbing periods of the year. As described in last week’s column, “The belly of the cosmic hurricane now begins. Batten down the hatches and focus on protection of your finances, health, and general well-being for the next 3 weeks as Mars will form its waxing square to Saturn (September 29), Pluto (October 9), and Jupiter (October 19). This challenging period begins with Saturn turning direct this Monday, September 28, which is a powerful Level 1 geocosmic correlation to primary or greater cycles within an orb of 9 trading days (70% rate of frequency). Saturn’s nature can be repressive, giving rise to anxiety and fears. Mars squares this stationary Saturn the next day, September 29, and has an even stronger geocosmic correlation of 80% to primary cycles within an orb of 11 trading days.”
It is possible the low of the stock market was achieved on Thursday, September 24, just two trading days before this potentially dangerous cosmic arrangement entered its central time band. That is within our allowable orb of three trading days. September 24 marked the end of the longest and steepest decline of the U.S. stock market since the pandemic panic low of March 23, which was when Mars made its conjunction to the same Capricorn Stellium (March 20-31). That was arguably the most powerful combination of planetary aspects of 2020, and probably the most challenging period of the year for the world. Most major stock indices lost approximately 40% of their value, and millions of jobs, in just one month. The U.S. stock market (and economy) had never experienced that sharp of a decline, that fast. It was also the peak of hysteria and fear surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 28-October 19 was forecasted to be a return to those themes. And here we are, with the President of the United States and the First Lady, now infected with the 7th deadliest virus in world history (“History of the World’s Worst Pandemics,” www.publichealthonline.org), which just this week, passed the 1 million mark in fatalities.
For the week, Crude Oil got hit hard, re-testing its primary cycle low of three weeks ago. Gold and Silver rebounded nicely off their multi-week lows of the prior week. But now we enter the middle of this September 28-October 19 stellar firestorm.
SHORT-TERM GEOCOSMICS AND LONGR-TERM THOUGHTS
The first Trump vs. Biden debate marked the return of the chaos candidacy… For 98 minutes, he belittled and bullied and berated both his opponent and the moderator — so much so that he made the debate painful to watch… More than anything, the 98 minutes marked the return of Trump as the chaos candidate. Philip Wegmann, “Trump’s Night: The Return of the Chaos Candidate,” www.realclearpolitics.com, September 30, 2020.
“With Mars retrograde, the aggressor is usually the loser.” Raymond Merriman, several times, in this column.
President Trump was the aggressor in the first Presidential Debate last Tuesday, and despite the grandiose narrative of conservative talk show hosts (“He was like a gladiator, a true warrior, showing everyone how he fights for Americans and our rights!”), he was clearly the loser of that debate according to most polls conducted afterward. Imagine: you are the head of the Human Resource department of a company you love, and you have these two guys (I would call them gentlemen, but that would be misleading) interviewing for the top position of your company (country). You are proud of the image and respect your company has earned in the eyes of the world over the last 200 years, and you want to protect and even enhance that image with this new hire. Which of these interviewees would you trust to accomplish that? As a U.S. voter, this is precisely the position you are in. They are interviewing to lead your country.
I know this column’s purpose is to discuss the current and future geocosmic cycles and their relationship to activity in financial markets, but I want to comment on the transiting aspects to the President’s chart and his health.
It is interesting, from a geocosmic point of view, that U.S. President Donald Trump has now contacted COVID-19. Given the hard transiting aspects from Neptune and Pluto to his natal chart and his age, this could become more serious than initially thought. He may need expert care at this time, and of course, he will have outstanding medical personnel monitoring his condition. This development could have a powerful effect on financial market prices.
Additionally, this development creates an opportunity to provide insight into how astrology works. For those interested in the studies I have conducted relating geocosmic factors to the deadliest pandemics in history, and how they might impact today’s COVID-19 pandemic, you may want to pre-order the Forecast 2021 Book now. Why? Because I will finish this study this week, and we will be sending out this section as an advance copy to all who have pre-ordered the book as of this week. The material is timely right now and it may be dated by the time the book is released in mid-December.
In the study of medical astrology, Neptune represents a vulnerability to disease and illness, especially those related to a weakened immune system. Saturn and Neptune combinations (midpoints) highlight the weakest part of one’s physical body. When Neptune makes a hard aspect to personal points in a natal chart, one is more vulnerable to disease and illness than usual. If Saturn and/or Pluto are also involved in a hard transiting aspect to a critical natal position, it can be more dangerous than usual. Of course, there are other possible manifestations when these transits to natal planets are activated. But when serious illnesses occur, a combination of these factors will likely be present. President Trump has all of these transits activating critical and personal points in his birth chart right now. Thus, as an astrologer, we understand that this situation could become serious. But let me also discuss other ways that these geocosmic factors might manifest.
First, transiting Neptune is making a T-square to President Trump’s natal Sun/Moon opposition at 21-22° Gemini-Sagittarius (he was born under a lunar eclipse, and this eclipse is being activated in 2020-2022 by Neptune). The Sun is Mr. Trump’s ruling planet, which means it rules his health, and in particular, his heart and vitality. It is reported that he feels fatigued, which is common when Neptune makes a hard aspect to one’s Sun or ruling planet. It needs to be noted that the solar eclipse on December 14 occurs at 23° Sagittarius, conjunct his Moon, and opposite his Sun. Solar eclipses are also powerful correlates to major changes in one’s life due to work, relationships, or health.
There are other areas of one’s life that may be affected during heavy Neptune transits like this, such as one’s mental and psychological state, where one can feel (or actually be) disconnected from reality (“I won the debate big based on the compilation the polls etc. Thank you”). This can work well with someone who is artistic, musical, or spiritually-inclined, for it can coincide with a period of intense visions and spiritual epiphanies, as well as a time of confinement. It is also a time when one can feel – or really be – victimized, the subject (or perpetrator) of false and damaging rumors that are not based upon facts but can be harmful to one’s reputation.
Also in effect at this time are the transits of Saturn and Pluto in opposition to President Trump’s natal Venus/Saturn at 23-25° Cancer. Pluto will remain in opposition through November 1, 2022. This too can coincide with a period of greater fatigue than usual. However, with Pluto in such an aspect, as stated before in this column, “No one escapes unscathed.” It is a period leading to personal transformation, related to prior actions and behaviors that no longer work in the native’s best interest. There is a symbolic “surrender” required before one can rebuild a better life in this area. Given that Trump’s Venus/Saturn is in the sign of Cancer, which rules family, this may correlate to the scathing revelation of his family’s dynamics recounted in the recent book written by his niece, Mary Trump.
Nevertheless, the point is that Mr. Trump is under hard transiting aspects from Neptune, Pluto, and Saturn, and he has contacted COVID-19, and this is a combination that can indicate serious challenges in his life, such as health. Normally, with Mars rising in Leo, he is strong and vital, and perhaps that natal strength will carry him through just fine. However, it would be most wise for the President to rest and avoid stress, and maybe allow himself to be open for an epiphany of sorts that will allow the American public to once again view a civil and respectable debate for the highest office in the U.S.
In the meantime, we are in a time band that contains the multiple geocosmic signatures which are very much related to those in effect March 20-31 when the stock markets of the world bottomed and ended their panic that started one month earlier. If announcements come out that the president’s health condition is deteriorating, stock markets will fall hard again. However, with Neptune being the planet of disinformation and deception (when it is not having a spiritual epiphany), I am not at all certain that the information being provided to the public will be indicative of what is really happening. With Neptune, you cannot believe what you see, hear, or read. Still, for those who believe in the power of prayer and support the President, this would be an appropriate time to pray for the president’s total recovery and well-being. And for those who don’t believe in prayers or miracles, maybe this will be a time to experience an overflow of compassion for humanity. The world can certainly use more of that, and fortunately, Neptune rules compassion when it is not caught up in a web of deceptions and untruths.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOTE 1: The Merriman Market Timing Academy will offer its next series of courses starting January 16, 2021! This is only the second time it has been offered since the first class graduated in 2014! This is an intensive two-year program in the MMA Market Timing methodology of analyzing and trading financial markets as developed by Raymond A. Merriman, C.T.A. (registered Commodities Trading Advisor with the National Futures Association since 1982). There will be 8 courses, each consisting of 6-7 classes, lasting 2-3 hours each, on Saturday afternoons, starting at 1:00 PM, EST. There will be a one-month break between each course, and a 3-month break between the first and second year of courses. The classes will be offered live online via Zoom. The course will be taught by Gianni Di Poce, MMTA graduate and apprentice, and Raymond Merriman. The cost for the two-year program is $12,000, with a 10% discount if registered by December 14, 2020. It is also possible to sign up for one year ($6600), or even one course ($1800) at a time. For more information on registration and requirements to be accepted, please visit our MMTA page to learn more about this opportunity to learn market timing the MMA way.
I would like to share my belief that the future of education and career development, as well as personal control of your financial assets, will be greatly influenced by the outstanding opportunities to be afforded by online studies over this decade. The future of education (Jupiter conjunct Saturn in air signs now for the next 140 years) will be changing dramatically. This means the future of career development and financial management will be changing too, all as a result of the new era (we call it the “New Aira”) in human activity that is now underway, related to the Grand Conjunctions of 2020. Life as we knew it will never be the same in so many areas. Yet the opportunities to succeed are unfolding now as education and training shift rapidly to online learning venues. The MMA Market Timing Academy (MMTA) has a niche and a methodology of understanding markets that no other company or online school can match. Don’t miss your opportunity to get in on the ground floor of MMTA’s educational and training models if you are truly interested in understanding the principles and value of financial market timing. There is nothing else like this available today.
NOTE 2: Get Ready! The Forecast 2021 Book now begins its Annual Forecast Pre-Order Event. Our preliminary outlook is that 2021 will be another very important year with the long-term Saturn/Uranus square aspect taking place. Although 2020 is not yet over, several forecasts made in the 2020 book have already unfolded. For a review of the Forecast 2020 Book so far, please visit our Scorecard.
This pre-publication period will be in effect through October 31 and will include our once-a-year sale discounts on both the annual Forecast Book and MMA Subscription Reports. You may pre-order Forecast 2021 at the discounted rate of $45. After the pre-order event ends, the price will increase to $55 on November 1st. Order both an eBook and print book (Forecast 2021 Bundle) for only $65, a savings of $45 off the standard rates. Save 10% off any subscription ($275+) with the purchase of Forecast 2021. Use code SALE2021 at checkout to receive the subscription discount.
In addition to this year’s Forecast book, we are offering a separate publication for those who enjoy the yearly trends for the twelve individual signs. It is titled “Trends for the Twelve Signs 2021,” and will be written by Antonia Langsdorf-Merriman and myself. Antonia has written an annual Sun Sign book in German for the past several years, based on interviews conducted with me beforehand. We will follow that same format for the Trends for the Twelve Signs 2021 book. The cost of this book will be $25, with a further discount if ordered with the Forecast 2021 Book.
This year’s printed and/or e-Book versions of Forecast 2021 and Trends for 2021 will also be available in these languages:
German: www.mma-europe.ch/ or email at info@mma-europe.ch
Japanese: https://www.toushinippou.co.jp/
Chinese: www.nodoor.com/
NOTE 3: We will be sending out an advanced copy of the first chapter of the Forecast 2021 Book next week to everyone who has pre-ordered this book, or who are subscribers of any MMA subscription report. This advanced-release chapter addresses the COVID-19 pandemic and how it compares with 10 of the deadliest pandemics in world history from a geocosmic point of view. It will provide an analysis of what to expect from today’s COVID-19 pandemic.
NOTE 4: MMA is pleased to announce that it is publishing a new book titled Great Conjunctions: Shifting Times, by one of the world’s leading Mundane Astrologers – Chris McRae of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This a fascinating book on the history of Great Conjunctions involving the outer planets throughout history. It is especially appropriate today because 2020 was such a year exhibiting Great Conjunctions. In fact, the grandest of all outer planet conjunctions – the Jupiter/Saturn synodic cycle – will take place on December 21, 2020, so this book is timely. The insights that McRae provides on these rare but remarkable configurations will make this one of the most valuable additions to the field of Mundane Astrology. The book is due to be released by mid-November. The cost will be $24,95, but you may pre-order it at the pre-publication price of $19.95, starting now.
EVENTS
October 3-4, 2020: Join me and 16 world-class astrologers for the Astrology University summit where we’ll explore the challenges and opportunities at hand. Mark your calendar for the weekend of October 3-4, when you’ll hear a series of inspiring talks to help you participate in creating our collective future in concert with the unfolding planetary energies.
In my talk, I’ll be speaking on “The Super Charged Degrees.” This talk will identify Tier 1, 2, and 3 Grand Conjunctions, how to see them as a forecasting tool to identify periods of major shifts in human activity. I will explain how this technique corresponded with pandemics of the past as well as the COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020. This summit is FREE to watch live for 48 hours! Register today and you’ll be emailed the details for how to watch the live event. Sign up for free here: https://www.astrologyuniversity.com/summit/. Can’t make the live event? Get the ALL ACCESS PASS and all of the talks are yours to keep, plus some great bonus videos. Get your pass here.
October 11, 2020: Special Q&A webinar for MMA Subscribers with Raymond Merriman! 4:30 PM, EDT, or 1:30 PM PDT 9:30 PM GMDT). This webinar is free to those who subscribe to any MMA subscription report, or $55 if not a subscriber. Subscribers may send in a question they wish Merriman to address ahead of time. The only requirement is that the questions be of general interest to everyone attending the Q&A. Questions about a specific market are fine if it is a market that Merriman analyzes (no individual stocks, please). It is possible there may not be enough time to address all questions, so they will be answered on a first-come, first-serve basis. This event will last 90 minutes. You must register to attend at least two days before the event and a link to enter the meeting will be sent to all registrants that week.
January 16, 2021: The first class of the 2-year program of the Merriman Market Timing Academy begins! For details, see the above announcement, or visit MMTA.
Disclaimer and statement of purpose: The purpose of this column is not to forecast the future movement of various financial markets. However, that is the purpose of the MMA (Merriman Market Analyst) subscription services. This column is not a subscription service. It is a free service, except in those cases where a fee may be assessed to cover the cost of translating this column from English into a non-English language. This weekly report is written with the intent to educate the reader on the relationship between astrological factors and collective human activities as they are happening. In this regard, this report will often cite what happened in various stock and financial markets throughout the world in the past week and discuss that movement in light of the geocosmic signatures that were in effect. It will then identify the geocosmic factors that will be in effect in the next week, or even months, or even years, and the author’s understanding of how these signatures may affect human activity in the times to come. The author (Merriman) will do this from the perspective of a cycles’ analyst looking at the military, political, economic, and even financial markets of the world. It is possible that some forecasts will be made based on these factors. However, the primary goal is to both educate and alert the reader as to the psychological climate we are in, from an astrological perspective. The hope is that it will help the reader understand the psychological dynamics that underlie (or coincide with) the news events and hence potentially affect financial markets.
No guarantee as to the accuracy of this report is being made here. Any decisions in financial markets are solely the responsibility of the reader, and neither the author nor the publishers of this column assume any responsibility whatsoever for anyone’s trading or investment decisions. Readers of this report should understand that commodity futures and options trading are considered high risk.